PUPILS queued up yesterday for the launch of a tuck shop that only sells fruit.

Consett Junior School opened a fruit bar to encourage youngsters to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

The scheme was only open to Year 3 pupils, and more than half of them took up the offer.

Headmaster David Yates said: "It has had a very good response."

The school decided to set up the project as part of its successful bid to win the Government's Healthy Schools Standard award, which it will receive on Friday.

"We wanted to encourage children to eat more fruit and take a more healthy lifestyle," said Mr Yates.

The shop is run by school "buddies" - older children who act as a friendly ear to new starters. And the pupil-run school council will have the final say in how to spend any profits.